Creamy Gnocchi and Sausage Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base & Pasta
01 -
Potato gnocchi, 1 pound (450g) - shelf-stable or frozen both work beautifully
02 -
Italian sausage with casings removed, 1 pound (450g) - this is optional but adds amazing flavor
→ Saucy Goodness
03 -
Your favorite marinara sauce, 1 cup (240ml)
04 -
Rich heavy cream, 1 cup (240ml)
→ Cheesy Layer
05 -
Shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 cups (200g) - get ready for those cheese pulls!
06 -
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup (50g)
→ Fresh & Flavorful Additions
07 -
Sweet cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup (150g)
08 -
Fresh baby spinach, 2 cups (60g)
09 -
Garlic, 3 cloves, minced
10 -
Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon
11 -
Fresh basil leaves, torn, 1/4 cup (10g)
12 -
Good quality olive oil, 2 tablespoons
13 -
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Get your oven nice and hot at 375°F (190°C). If you're using frozen gnocchi, give them a quick bath according to the package - but those shelf-stable ones are ready to rock and roll!
02 -
Grab your favorite oven-safe skillet and warm up that olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic until it's dancing and fragrant (about a minute). If you're using sausage, this is its time to shine - cook it until it's beautifully browned, then set aside for later.
03 -
In that same skillet, create your creamy sauce by mixing together marinara and heavy cream. Add the dried oregano - it's going to make everything smell amazing!
04 -
Now for the fun part! Start with a bit of sauce, then layer in your gnocchi, fresh spinach, those halved cherry tomatoes, your cooked sausage, and a generous sprinkle of both cheeses. Keep layering until you've either used everything up or reached the top of your skillet. Crown it all with a thick blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan.
05 -
Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until everything's bubbly and golden. Want that extra crispy top? Give it a quick 2-3 minute broil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes (the hardest part!), then scatter fresh basil over the top before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to skip the sausage for a vegetarian version - it's still absolutely delicious!
02 -
This dish reheats beautifully for leftovers, if you're lucky enough to have any
03 -
The resting time is crucial for the perfect consistency, so try to resist diving right in